By Times Chronicle Staff
BC Cancer’s mobile mammography coach is coming to Osoyoos in late January and most women, and many Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people ages 40+ with no symptoms can book a free mammogram while we’re in town.
It is estimated that one in eight BC women will get breast cancer in their lifetime and while a family history of breast cancer is cause for a higher-than-average risk, the biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50 years of age with 80 per cent of breast cancer cases diagnosed in this age group.
Screening mammograms are considered the international gold standard for detecting breast cancer early. Mammograms can usually find lumps two or three years before you or your primary care provider can feel them. Research has shown a greater than 25 per cent reduction in deaths from breast cancer among those who regularly screen.
A screening mammogram consists of four images (two of each breast) that look for hidden cancer in those who are healthy (no symptoms) and have never had breast cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms including a lump or nipple discharge, BC Cancer urges a visit to a health care provider immediately to determine if other testing is required.
The Osoyoos mobile clinic will run from Jan. 24 – 27, 2025 with the coach parked at 5506 Main Street (Best Western Plus Sunrise Inn). Call 1-800-663-9203 to book an appointment. For more information visit the BC Cancer website.
